Light-Frozen Dynamic Covalent Synthesis of Electron-Deficient Conjugated Materials
📍 Location: MOLTECH-Anjou Laboratory, Université d’Angers, France
👨🏫 Supervisor: Dr. Antoine Goujon
🕒 Duration: 3 years
🗓 Start Date: By end of 2025, latest January 1, 2026
💼 Funding: Fully funded by the prestigious ERC StG 2023 – PhotoFreeze Project
Are you passionate about organic chemistry, dynamic covalent systems, and supramolecular design? This ERC-funded PhD position in France offers a unique opportunity to explore frontier science in organic electronics while working in a supportive, international research team.
🎯ERC-Funded PhD Position in France
This ERC-funded PhD Position in France targets dynamic students interested in pushing the limits of light-controlled organic synthesis, n-type semiconductors, and optoelectronic materials. The PhotoFreeze project explores a powerful combination of dynamic covalent chemistry and self-assembly to develop novel mono- and multidimensional n-type conjugated polymers.
The project is hosted at the MOLTECH-Anjou Laboratory, a world-class research center known for its interdisciplinary approach to organic functional materials and advanced spectroscopic characterization.
🔍 Project Overview – PhotoFreeze
Organic electronics are transforming industries—from solar cells and batteries to biosensors and smart displays. However, synthesizing size-defined, atomically precise, and optoelectronically functional molecules remains a grand challenge. That’s where PhotoFreeze comes in.
This ERC Starting Grant 2023 project aims to:
- Use light-controlled dynamic covalent chemistry to “freeze” molecular self-assembly
- Develop electron-deficient conjugated materials (n-type) for enhanced electronic behavior
- Innovate in the preparation of mono- and multidimensional systems, such as macrocycles, nanographenes, and 2D/3D polymeric networks
- Enable applications in organic solar cells, field-effect transistors, and sustainable energy devices
🔬 The work will involve multi-step organic synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and supramolecular chemistry, making this ERC-funded PhD in organic chemistry both challenging and cutting-edge.

💡 PhD Position Responsibilities
As the selected doctoral researcher, you will:
- Design and synthesize light-responsive monomers and macrocycles
- Perform dynamic covalent self-assembly reactions under controlled conditions
- Characterize materials using spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and microscopy
- Collaborate with specialists in material science, physical chemistry, and electronics
- Present your findings at international conferences and contribute to publications
You will be trained in:
- Advanced synthetic organic chemistry techniques
- Dynamic and supramolecular systems
- Optoelectronic materials development for next-gen energy and display devices
✅ Candidate Profile – Who Can Apply?
We are looking for a curious, creative, and rigorous young scientist with:
✔️ A Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry or a related field
✔️ Experience in multi-step organic synthesis
✔️ Interest in optoelectronic materials and spectroscopic/electrochemical characterization
✔️ Good communication skills in English (written & spoken)
✔️ Independent thinking + team spirit
✔️ Motivation to be part of an ERC-funded frontier research project
This is a rare chance to work in a prestigious international setting, supported by the European Research Council (ERC).
📍 Why Study at Université d’Angers?
Angers is a charming city in western France—only 1.5 hours from Paris by train—known for its affordable cost of living, rich history, nature, and welcoming student culture.
💡 MOLTECH-Anjou Laboratory is located within Université d’Angers and specializes in:
- Functional organic materials (esp. electronics)
- From molecular design to property measurement
- Multidisciplinary collaboration across Europe and beyond
This is the perfect environment for an international PhD student interested in cutting-edge chemistry and materials science.
📝 How to Apply
To apply for this ERC-Funded PhD Position in France, follow these steps:
📧 Email Application To: antoine.goujon@univ-angers.fr
📌 Subject Line: “PhD Application ERC StG PhotoFreeze”
📄 Attach as a single PDF in English:
- 📄 CV (detailed)
- 🎓 Transcript of your Master’s degree
- ✍️ Short motivation letter
- 📜 Proof of Master’s degree (if available)
- 📞 Contact info of 1–2 referees
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
📅 Deadline: Rolling applications — but the position must begin by the end of 2025 (no later than Jan 1, 2026). Apply early to ensure consideration!
🔗 Internal and External Links
✅ Apply Now: Email Application to Dr. Antoine Goujon
✅ Laboratory Info: MOLTECH-Anjou Lab
✅ More Scholarships & PhDs: https://scholarshipswithaakash.site
📧 For guidance with your application (CV, SOP, Proposal):
Contact us at: scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com
🌍 Final Words
If you’re ready to push the frontiers of dynamic covalent materials, this ERC-Funded PhD Position in France at Université d’Angers is your chance. Gain experience in next-gen molecular electronics, join an elite research team, and build your future in the heart of Europe.
🚀 Apply now and start your PhD journey in 2025!
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